Nuclear could fill a niche in Australia's energy mix, but renewables will need to do the heavy lifting, business leaders sayEven if Australia's nuclear ban is overturned, energy sector leaders believe renewables will generate most of Australia's power in the future.
Coal's share of the energy generation mix has declined from over 80 per cent 24 years ago as Australia pushes forward with decarbonising the grid. Mr Thornton said continuing to invest in renewable energy projects is the most efficient way to meet Australia's emissions reduction targets. Innes Willox says it's sensible to have a debate about nuclear energy in Australia, but is concerned it could create uncertainty for investors.The chair of Great Southern Energy and Sunset Power, Trevor St Baker, wants to see Australia's ban on nuclear energy overturned.
"We set that up not to build nuclear, not to promote nuclear, just to say that if we're going to get rid of coal, we had to look at all the options for base load 24/7 power.The emerging backlash to new transmission lines associated with large-scale renewable projects means it is important to have all options on the table, according to Victorian Energy Policy Centre director Bruce Mountain.
A surge in the polls spurred the Coalition to announce its nuclear plans. Now both parties have a birthday cake problem